Laser hair removal - pre care and after care • myLaser (2024)

FAQs

Laser hair removal - pre care and after care • myLaser? ›

Avoid anything that involves chlorine (e.g. swimming) for 48 hours. Avoid make-up on the treated area for at least 48 hours. Avoid the application of perfumed products or bleaching creams for 48 hours. Avoid scratching the treatment area if blistering or crusting occurs, as this can cause scarring.

Do not use any of the following products on the treated area 3 days before or 3 days after treatment: harsh exfoliating cleansers or scrubs, bleaching creams or retinoids (Retin-A). Avoid direct prolonged sun exposure 2 weeks before and 2 weeks after treatment on the treated area.

For the first few hours, you might even feel like you have a mild sunburn. Swelling and redness should subside within 1-3 days. During this time, it's safe to use aloe vera or topical cooling creams to reduce discomfort. Your hair will not fall out immediately during treatment, but slowly over the following few weeks.

Avoid direct sunlight for at least two to four weeks following your treatment. Mineral make-up may be used on any facial areas treated with laser hair removal. To avoid any irritation, other cosmetics should be avoided until the skin has had time to heal.

The basic principle is that the pigment of the hair, but not the pigment of the skin, should absorb the light. The laser should damage only the hair follicle while avoiding damage to the skin. Therefore, a contrast between hair and skin color — dark hair and light skin — results in the best outcomes.

The best moisturizer on the market today for post treatment care is Oxygenetix Oxygenating Hydro-Matrix. Specifically designed to be used after laser procedures, Hydro-Matrix is safe for compromised skin up to a third degree burn.

The higher the photosensitivity, the higher the risk that your skin could become burned during the procedure. Make sure to avoid ingredients such as salicylic acid, retinol, and benzoyl peroxide 2-3 days before your procedure and wait 2-3 days before you begin using them again.

2. Shave the Area. As previously mentioned, shaving the area is encouraged as long as no plucking or waxing is going on. A shave 24 to 48 hours before the appointed date is important.

Shave Before Treatment

You should shave within 24 hours of your scheduled laser appointment. Your laser technician cannot treat areas that have hair above the skin. You cannot even receive treatment if there is rough stubble because this may create too much heat for the pigment of your skin.

Potential Risks of Skipping the Shave

Cause skin irritation: Unshaved hair can lead to post-laser redness, inflammation, and swelling. Increase burn risk: Longer hair can excessively absorb laser energy, heightening the risk of burns and blisters.

What are the don'ts of laser hair removal? ›

You can take a shower after laser hair removal, but it is recommended to use cool water for the first few showers. It is best to avoid hot water, hot tubs, and saunas for at least 48 hours after the treatment. You should wait at least 6-8 hours after the session before taking a shower.

Shave within 24 hours of your laser appointment. Your Laser Technician will not be able to go over areas with hair that's above the skin.

If treatment is stopped before all of the hair follicles have been destroyed, some may continue to grow. It is important to complete the recommended treatment plan to achieve the best results. Sometimes, the patient sees hairs are thicker and darker after the treatment when they have original light and fair hair.

People who are taking certain medications, such as acne treatments, should avoid laser hair removal. It can also be a bad fit for people with certain skin conditions, like a history of skin cancer or keloid scars. Women who are pregnant or nursing should also put off hair removal.

Cleanse the treatment area two to five times a day as instructed by your doctor. Sleep on an extra pillow at night to help reduce the swelling for the first four days after the procedure. Apply a cool compress or a wrapped ice pack for 15 minutes every one to two hours as needed, during the first 24 to 48 hours.

DO NOT PICK OR RUB TO REMOVE DEAD SKINS OR SCABS, as it may increase the risk of scarring. You should continue to keep treated areas moist with aquaphore gel during the healing period while the skin is weeping or oozing. Cover all resurfaced areas with aquaphore – DO NOT allow ANY area to dry out or scab over.

Yes, you can, and should, moisturise after laser hair removal. While you should not moisturise before your laser hair removal appointment, after your appointment is a different story. The best moisturisers to use after laser hair removal are perfume free. This will help to avoid excess skin irritation.